Dek Unu February 2018 Saeed Mohammadzadeh

Dek

Unu

A/Iagazlne

Solo Exhibitions of Fine
Photoart Portfolios

February, 2018

Featured Artist

Saeed Mohamtnadzadeh

"Lake Urmia"

Cover [mage:Space Ship
© Saeed Mohammadzadeh

Interview - Saeed Mohammadzadeh

Welcome, Saeed. Such beautifut images from such a disaster!

We swam in the lake when we were kids. Because of the high salt
content it was very safe-almost impossible to drown. About three
years ago, I went back to the shores of the lake with friends
and saw deeply frustrating scenes of the water crisis. The lake
seemed to me like a man w'ho is dying but who cannot speak for
himself or call for help. On that day I decided to take pictures of all
the parts of the lake so that i could give the people of the country
intact images of Lake Urmia as it disappears. My point of view is to
take pictures to preserve the beauty of the lake and to protest
against the damage.

Several of your images are of very large boats aground,
fustirrg away. The re must have been commercial boat traffic on the
lake in the past.

Yes, at one time those ships played an important role in the
movement of passengers between the two provinces of East and
West Azarbaijan. With the drying of the Lake Urmia, shipping has
gradually decreased from the boom times of the lake's ports and
Sharifkhane, the most important and profitable port, was closed.
Today, several ferries, recreational boats, and sailboats rest in
different parts of the lake. There w'as never fishing in the lake due to
high salt level, but brine shrimp, algae, and food plants still support
wildlife; although, if the water is gone, salt, heavy metals, and other
pollution will threaten a 500 km radius from the lake.

Your images might be called nat-geo perfect; carefully composed, in
dieep focus, vibrant color, and that amazing light. How do you do it?

I keep it simple. I use 35mm digital equipment, a Nikon D-S10
camera body and Nikkor 14-24 mm f/2.8 wide-angle zoom. I work
from a tripod and occasionally add a filter - ND1000.

What about post-production or editing? Do you use any special
software or digital tools?

I keep it simple there as well. I stick to Adobe Camera Raw in
Photoshop.

Your work fits we El in the tradition of nature photography. Are there
contemporary inspirations or influences on your work?

I've alw'ays been inspired by Iranian photographers, particularly
Behrouz Al Naddaf, who lives in France. I also appreciate Steve
McCurry, an American, who has unique photographic projects.

Talk about your life as an artist in Iran. Are you part of an arts
Interest community?

I am the Director of the Artist's Basij Photography Group and I
am in charge of photography training, photo editing courses, and
photography trips. And I am also the secretary of the Marand
Photography Association, where v/e do various activities
with other colleagues. I teach private courses, group courses,
and w'orkshops for photography training and photo editing.

Do you see any hope in the future for the lake?

This ecosystem has been internationally registered by UNESCO
as a protected area.The Iranian Environment Organization has
identified most of the lake as a national park.

The rescue of Lake Urmia was emphasized after the formation of
the government of President Hassan Rouhani and the Urmia Lake
Rescue Task Force was established under the management of the
first vice president. Issues such as confronting the micro¬
organisms, the agricultural situation, and the pattern of cultivation
in the area and the large number of wells have been investigated.
Some experts believe that the restoration activities carried out in
this period, along with popular support, have reduced the process
of destruction of Lake Urmia and in some areas have improved
the conditions. But, the condition of the lake remains critical.

What are your plans for the upcoming year?

I plan to photograph the islands in Lake Urmia which may require
that I stay for several days on the islands. I will also travel to Iran's
deserts, places that are lifeless but that are also full of delightful
forms and shades of light. Please follow my work on Instagram
@ saied_mo hammadzadeh

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Lee Rogers, Art Director

©Dek Unu Magazine, 2018

Images ©Saeed Mohammedzadeh